CoffeeSealMusic

Audio Available

Component

Delivery

Ensemble

Eprint Folders

Grade

Instrument

Instrument Family

Instrument Type

Item Sequence

Large Print Edition

Marketed Status

Minimum Sell Quantity

MINTS Data Available

Product Line

Prop65

Score Available

Video Available

On a surface level, Gargoyles are these quirky-looking stone creatures that serve no architectural purpose, other than to sometimes function as water spouts to protect the buildings they reside on from damage. 
When I was writing Gargoyles, however, I imagined these creatures coming to life after twilight, gliding on the wind toward adventure, only to return to their post and transform back into stone as the sun rose, much as I had seen in the 1990's cartoon of the same name.  I was also picturing them guarding an old castle or cathedral, much like the infamous Notre Dame. Additionally, I was inspired by elements from medieval church music, and the composers Gesualdo and Gabrielli.  

Bonus points if you can perform this piece in a Gothic stone building adorned with gorgeous stained glass, great acoustics, and steeped in history that goes back at least a few hundred years.

This piece works well as a closer, or a second-half concert opener, and for concerts with a Fantasy or Medieval theme.

Timing 6:30

Gargoyles

Trombone Sextet

Format

Looking for a piece that you can adjust to fit YOUR concert band? Want something with a little bit of a deeper meaning than the  typical surface subjects of most easier concert band pieces? This could be the  piece for you!

Duration: 4 minutes

Enter Spirit is a piece inspired by the quote from the Avatar The Last Airbender series, "When all hope seems lost, look for the light in the darkness. " -Uncle Iroh

It is a grade 2.5 Concert / Flex band piece. I denote the parts that are absolutely necessary to play the piece as well as what to substitute parts with if you don't have enough. Note: it will still work without the trombone part, but it will sound different.

Also, please feel free to experiment and adjust the instrumentation to fit your band.  ( I won't bat an eye if you decide to give a clarinet a trumpet part if you have way more of them for example)

Enter Spirit also uses found sounds to create a soundscape. Suggestions are ringing objects ( mugs hit with a pencil, bells, etc) and a bowed vibraphone.

Program Notes:

I originally began composing this piece during the COVID-19 pandemic. While in isolation with not much else to do, as I had been laid off from my job and waiting to find a new one, I binge-watched the Avatar The Last Airbender Series and its sequel, The Legend of Korra. When this quote was uttered by Uncle Iroh to Korra when she was going through a depressive episode in the spirit realm (S.2 Ep .10), it struck a chord with me. I was thinking not only about how depressed I was becoming due to the isolation but also about how my students and their peers were dealing with the darkness and uncertainty. Thus the Idea for this piece was born.

I asked my colleague and the then-director of the Twin Cities Brass Band, Adam Hille, if his students may want to play it. He teaches at a school, that is very similar to the school district I grew up in, in that it is very rural and the band is tiny ( but growing!). To make this piece accessible to as many bands in a similar situation that I know all too well, and spread hope in a time of darkness, I opted to write this as a hybrid flex band and full band piece. I also ask the students to find Bell-like objects of varying sizes, as that bell sound plays an important role in this piece summoning light and banishing darkness.

I also aimed to give them a chance to be creative and find their own light, and sense of fun.

Even though this was composed with a smaller group in mind, a larger group can certainly play it.

Note: please contact the composer if you need a part transposed to fit an instrument that is not currently included with the piece.

Enter Spirit

Flexible Instrumentation Score & Parts

Meliae is a piece named after wood nymphs. I wrote this piece while wandering in the woods, witnessing the rustling of leaves and the falling and near-death experience of giant tree branches ( Those darn mischievous Faeries!) 

This is a fun duet that two trombones or two euphoniums can play if you ignore the glissandos. It works as a Concert piece or as a piece where you can pick your favorite movement and work on it with your low brass buddy for Solo and Ensemble!

Meliae

Brass Duet

Dulaman is a traditional Irish Folk Tune that is, in a word, about seaweed. It has been performed by many groups including Altan, Clannad, and Celtic Woman. In most versions, the lyrics are about the Irish practice of gathering seaweed for sale, as it is a valuable resource used for fertilizer for crops, bath products, and as a nutritious source of food. The dialogue in one version is between a girl who falls in love with a seaweed salesman from another part of Ireland or the world, and her father who forbids her from marrying this man who carries an inferior product.; an allegory for "our seaweed is better than yours!'.

This piece works well as a concert opener or pallet cleanser. 

Note: A Bodhran May be substituted for the drum set part.

Dulaman

Trombone or Baritone Octet

This duet is inspired by the titular characters of the Super Mario Bros Franchise.  It would work well for a student and teacher or two friends who are looking for a fun duet.

Although it was originally scored for trumpet and trombone, it will likely work for any Bb transposing instrument to substitute for the trumpet part: ex:Bb Clarinet or Tenor Sax. Euphonium can play the Bass Clef part as well.

Mario and Luigi

Trumpet, Trombone Duet

Andromeda is a constellation in the night sky as well as the closest galaxy to our own, the Milky Way.
I wrote this piece in January 2025 after the melody popped into my head while thinking of the myth of Andromeda, during a particularly nasty migraine episode. Andromeda is the daughter of Queen Cassiopeia (another constellation) who bragged of her beauty being greater than that of the Nereids (sea nymphs that resembled mermaids). Poseidon, the Greek God of the sea and all of its creatures, did not like this and sent a sea monster to punish Cassiopeia and her people. After much destruction, it was advised to sacrifice poor Andromeda to appease Poseidon.
Perseus (also a constellation visible in the night sky alongside Andromeda and Cassiopeia) was on his way back from killing Medusa, and, because he had nothing better to do apparently decided to also kill the sea monster and save Andromeda from the buffet-shaped rock throne she was chained to.
I’m not sure what the moral of the story is other than maybe don’t make an all-powerful Greek God angry, or perhaps be careful what you brag about, or maybe... just don’t?
Like the princess of myth, this theme is both regal and beautiful.

Andromeda Fanfare

String Orchestra Score & Parts

I was first introduced to this melody during my first Early Music class at Youngstown State University. The tune was written by Walther von der Vogelweide in the early 13th century and was used as propaganda for the Crusades. We are now left with the relic of this Melody that has been remixed thousands of times since its inception. I was inspired to make my own "Heavy Metal" version after Dr. Randy Goldberg, the instructor of this class, showed us a more traditional Heavy Metal Version, with electric guitar, drums, and bass. I like to think that the Brass band adds a unique color to this particular arrangement and makes this remix original compared to the others. I kept the harmonies dark and sometimes dissonant to represent this bleak time in history. Later in the arrangement, there is a ray of hope represented by major chords, sometimes blurred by the dark reality that these people were living in. Surely there were some who recognized the developing hostility against those who were now considered "other" or were just hoping for better days ahead as most humans do throughout history.

Chorale on a Palastinalied

Brass Band Score & Parts

Gaudete is perhaps the most famous Christmas melody from the Middle Ages, likely dating from the 1500s, and covered by many a modern band, including The King's Singers, Erasure, and Steeleye Span, to name a few.

This Brass Quintet brings you through several variations of the tune, balancing between a Rennaissance-inspired and modern harmony sound. 

The word Gaudete translates to " Rejoice!" and I aspired to give everyone a fun part to play and bring joy to your audience.


Although this is thought of as a Christmas tune, it would work any time of the year.


Difficulty- Later Intermediate to advanced, due to the key signature 

Timing: 2:00

Gaudete

Brass Quintet

This fanfare is perfect for a concert starter for your studio or section!

It is for 6 Part Trombone Choir (4 tenor trombone and 2 bass trombone parts). Bass trombone parts may be substituted or doubled by Tuba.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Good for a High school, college, or adult community group.

Duration: 1 min 30 sec

Program Notes:

When I was writing this piece, I was experimenting a lot with 2 against 3 rhythms and wanted to try something with a deliberate ostinato and "modern" harmonies. My idea was to create an intro where one trombone voice would begin in the distance to quiet the room, and the rest of the choir would join, much like how one wolf may howl in the night, all others stop their commotion to listen, and then the rest of the wolves then begin responding.


A choir of Trombones, much like a pack of wolves, creates quite a marvelous cacophony when making music
together. It's hard not to stop and listen for a bit

Trombone Fanfare

Trombone or Baritone Ensemble

It began its life in January of 2025 as an idea for a string orchestra piece meant for students, inspired by the Queen of the Galaxies herself, Andromeda. That piece was written in the span of 24 hours, under the influence of very little sleep and a migraine that was being heavily medicated ( I tend to avoid taking the meds unless necessary as they make me very loopy for a day or two afterward).
It was then time to begin working on the piece for this year’s Minneapolis Trombone Choir Concert. Composing only took another 24 ish hours to finish, and no, I did not sleep much that week.
I thought the melody sounded like a space sci-fi theme of some sort, so I decided to steal, borrow without permission, many reoccurring tropes in the genre. Yes, I shamelessly rip off Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams in parts. So sue me. .........Actually, please don’t. This falls under parody in copyright law.......I think. Any resemblance to any existing melody is purely coincidental and imitated ....poorly.
The plot of this sci-fi show is open to interpretation, but in my personal headcannon, the Aliens from Andromeda on the Ship Andromeda travel to earth and fall in love with the AI. Then, chaos ensues. Dange,r Danger Rob Billanson!
This piece is written by a trombone player for trombone players and even gives the Bass Trombone a pretty sizable solo!

Andromeda

Trombone Octet

This duet is inspired by a character of the Super Mario Bros Franchise.  It would work well for a student and teacher or two friends looking for a fun duet.

Although it was originally scored for trumpet and trombone, it will likely work for any Bb transposing instrument to substitute for the trumpet part: ex : Bb Clarinet or Tenor Sax. Euphonium can play the Bass Clef part as well. Just ignore the gliss.

Toad's Playground

This piece would be AWESOME for any Minnesota-based or connected Concert band concert, or on a USA State-themed Concert. 

A Tour of Minnesota brings you on a journey across the state and gives you a sample blend of the many flavors of this beautiful state, much like the unofficial state food, the Hot Dish! Did I mention there is a gorgeous euphonium solo in the middle of the piece? ( Note: if you give it to one of your other players for lack of a euphonium player or instrument, I won't be offended. But, please consider giving it to one of your other usually-forgotten musicians like the Bass Clarinet or Bari Sax. They deserve a gorgeous solo opportunity too!) For those unsure of how to make a loon call, I have included directions and a QR code that brings you to a page with multiple sources that teach you how to achieve the sound. I have also included cues in other instruments for any group lacking Bassoons ( as I know not every band can afford them).

A Tour of Minnesota

Concert Band Score & Parts

Timing 5:00

Euphomania is a piece from the heart with all the humor you could ask for. It's....something else. Just give it a listen and look at the perusal score. In this solo, you will find many quotes to guide you on your performance journey, or at least give you or your accompanist a chuckle or two.

Maybe the audience can't read the sarcasm, but you sure can! :)

Disclaimer: IF you choose to perform this on a Brass Jury, I bear no responsibility for the outcome of your performance! However, you may win some points or sympathy if you show them the sheet music afterward.

The same goes for if you have a non-academic audience. Good Luck!

Euphomania

Euphonium Solo

This short but fun melody is inspired by the vibrant shade of blue of the Caribbean.

The chords underneath are simple I IV and V chords that most students would be familiar with, but the syncopated rhythm is what gives it its flavor and hue. The rhythm does not change, so once the student has it mastered in the left hand, it's time to add the fun, island-inspired melody.

Caribbean Blue

Piano Solo

Timing 5' 30''
About The Piece:

Thoughtbox is a miniature trombone fantasy written periodically while improvising in the practice room on my trombone and transcribing the results. It was scored in the style of a typical French trombone solo, repertoire usually required by aspiring trombonists. The opening statement is a direct reference to the Morceau Symphonique, the first solo I was required to study at the Dana School of Music.

It is perfect for a contest selection for an advanced high school player, and undergrad Jury, or a lyrical selection for a recital that is not too taxing on the chops.

Thoughtbox

Trombone or Baritone Solo with Piano

Timing: 6-8+ minutes

Difficulty: Later Intermediate to advanced due to the key signature.

Gaudete is perhaps the most famous Christmas melody from the Middle Ages, likely dating from the 1500s, and covered by many a modern band, including The King's Singers, Erasure, and Steeleye Span, to name a few.

To write this piece, I took motifs from the tune and wrote my own melodies, avoiding a direct transcription of any part of the original melody. 

 Mvt 1, Fanfare, is a bright opening to the suite. After all, the word Gaudete translates to "rejoice"!

Mvt 2 plays with the Pavane and Galliard feel. Both are distinct dances, and while this movement is more somber than danceable to the average listener, it utilizes some tricks that the medieval composers used, as well as draws inspiration from medieval compositional techniques for harmonies. Just like medieval dances, if you were to add a repeat sign at the end, you could play this movement ad nauseam and choose to never end it.

Mvt 3, Scherzo, plays with your expectation of time but is a fun jaunt after the serious tone of Mvt 2 nonetheless. If you like Gordon Jacob (not a Renaissance composer), you'll probably like this movement.

I've included Mvt 0, Just Gaudete, as a bonus. You may begin or end the suite with this movement, play the opening statement to introduce the audience to the tune, or omit it entirely. You may even shuffle the order of movements if you'd like.

Gaudete Fantasy

Allemande de Eleri is a short, medieval-inspired dance tune. It was originally written for the 2022 Brass Chix gathering in St. Paul Minnesota, as a fun tune that would be easily played together by brass players of differing ability levels. 

You can play it with a group of standard brass sextet instrumentation or swap out parts.  It also works a Brass Choir piece- perfect for occasions where you might invite younger players to come play with your group,  or a one off brass get together.


If you play it with more players, it is ok to have parts doubled. For example, a trumpet and horn could play part 3 together. Parts 1, 2, and 3 are available for trumpet and all 6 parts are available for horn. Note: Part 6 in the horn part is played an octave higher than the written tuba transposition in the score, but will still work. ALL PARTS LISTED COME WITH THE SCORE

Allemande de Eleri

Flexible Instrumentation Sextet

This arrangement is great for an Easter or Christmas performance or any time your group wants to play this amazing piece, normally sung by Russian Orthodox choirs at any gig of choice.

Difficulty-  Intermediate because of the key.
Length: about 3 Minutes

The key of Db was chosen to keep the piece from going into the stratosphere for the poor trumpet 1 who needs to save their chops during the rest of a church service (and the rest of the group of course!). The Timpani is totally optional but adds an Epic flair to the ending if you add them in.

Note: I wrote this arrangement for my own Easter Brass quartet and it works very well. The Trombone part would likely sound best played on a Bass Trombone or possibly a Tuba,  but I was able to do it justice with my large bore tenor.

Salvation is Created

Brass Quartet

Program Notes:

"Winter Ice, so cold, it bites and saps your strength with all its might. So beautiful, it freezes your stare, while the arctic winds blow through the air."

Once I heard the story of The Little Match Stick Girl, this was the music that began playing in my head as I imagined the poor girl walking through the wind and snow on a dark winters night.

*For those interested, there is an alternate version written for Alto Flute and 1 Vibraphone with 2 players.

Winter Ice

Alto Flute Solo

Timing- 8+ minutes

Of Wizards and Dragons is a programmatic work inspired by the first book of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede.  In the book, Princess Cimorene, an atypical princess bored of mundane royal life, elects to become a dragon's princess by allowing herself to be captured. In this story, the Wizards are the "bad guys" that can only be melted with soapy water mixed with a little bit of lemon (represented by the clarinet run in the Battle section). Keeping with the mood of the story, the piece contains a balanced mixture of drama, humor, and a wee bit of romance.

The original clarinet solo was composed in 2012 for Chris Nutter, a close friend, and talented clarinetist. The wind band version is a combination of transcription and orchestration with a little bit of new composition to add a unique aspect and more dimension to this version of the piece. 

It features a spellbinding Bb and bass clarinet duet in the middle!

*Includes an Alternate Bb Clarinet part to replace the Alto Clarinet part if you don't have one. Please use Alto Clarinet if possible as that is the preferred timbre for that part.

Of Wizards and Dragons

Global Sections - CORE [DO NOT TOUCH]*

Favicon

Need Help? Contact Us or call 1-800-345-6296    Live Chat

Header

Don't have a business account? Create one

Products